The Pound to Australian Dollar (GBP/AUD) exchange rate fell to a near one-month low on Thursday after stronger-than-expected Australian employment figures boosted the ‘Aussie’.
At the time of writing, GBP/AUD was trading around AU$1.9091, having recovered from an intraday low of approximately AU$1.9066.
DAILY RECAP:
The Australian Dollar (AUD) strengthened during Thursday’s Asian trading session following the release of Australia’s latest employment report.
The data showed employment increased by 76,300 in June, comfortably beating forecasts for a rise of 15,000.
The stronger-than-expected labour market reinforced expectations that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) could continue raising interest rates later this year.
However, the risk-sensitive ‘Aussie’ struggled to hold onto all of its gains as a cautious market mood weighed on demand during European trade.
Meanwhile, the Pound (GBP) remained subdued as markets continued to assess Andy Burnham’s first week as Prime Minister.
Sterling had strengthened in the run-up to Burnham entering Downing Street as investors unwound the political risk premium previously built into the currency.
However, the Pound has since trended lower amid ongoing questions over how the government’s spending commitments and tax cut pledges will be financed.
This uncertainty continued to limit Sterling on Thursday.
Near-Term GBP/AUD Forecast: PMI Surveys in Focus
Looking ahead, Friday’s Asian session brings Australia’s preliminary PMI surveys.
If private sector activity slowed to near-stagnation in July, as expected, the Australian Dollar could face renewed pressure.
European trading then begins with the UK’s June retail sales figures. A forecast 0.3% contraction in sales could weigh on Sterling.
Later in the morning, attention turns to the UK’s preliminary PMI surveys, with investors particularly focused on the services reading. Any improvement in business activity could provide the Pound with modest support.
Meanwhile, broader market risk appetite and UK political developments are also likely to influence GBP/AUD trading, potentially leading to increased volatility.
